Balancing policy and compassion: Why Morgandradas’s case deserves a second look

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As reported in Mothership’s article on 30 Jan, the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s (MSF) decision to demand that Morgandradas S/O Kanapathy repay S$18,400 in ComCare financial aid raises important questions about the balance between enforcing rules and recognising exceptional circumstances.

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While policies must ensure accountability, we believe Morgandradas’s case highlights a need for more compassionate and flexible welfare practices.

At the centre of this case is Morgandradas himself—a triple amputee who is legally blind and has been receiving ComCare Long Term Assistance (LTA) since 2014.

His current challenge stems from his mother, who has been his primary caregiver, no longer being able to assist him due to her declining health. To address this, Morgandradas has set a practical goal: secure an HDB flat and hire a full-time caregiver. To fund this, he has saved public donations that reportedly total over S$128,000.

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MSF argues that those savings make him ineligible for ComCare assistance. Under current welfare policies, applicants are required to declare all sources of income and assets, and there is likely a savings limit in the low four-figure range.

MSF revealed that Morgandradas had failed to disclose his savings in three renewal applications since 2022, leading to their demand for him to repay S$18,400 in financial aid he received while technically ineligible.

On paper, this decision is justifiable. Morgandradas did not comply with the rules, and maintaining the integrity of the welfare system requires consistent application of policies.

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But we believe there is more to consider here. His savings are not a sign of financial stability or hidden wealth; they are the result of public donations intended to support his long-term caregiving needs. Treating those funds as ordinary savings fails to acknowledge their purpose and risks undermining the spirit of public assistance.

His plan is not extravagant or unreasonable. At current costs, he could rent a one-room HDB flat for about S$26 per month and hire a domestic helper at around S$510 per month, bringing his caregiving-related expenses to roughly S$526 per month.

With S$128,000 in savings, he could sustain this arrangement for approximately 20 years. His strategy reflects careful financial planning, which should be seen as a step toward long-term independence rather than a reason to disqualify him from further aid.

MSF has stated that his immediate housing and caregiving needs are currently being met, as he resides with his mother and brother in a purchased flat. However, this argument overlooks the fact that his mother’s declining health makes the arrangement unsustainable in the long run.

The urgency Morgandradas feels to secure independent living is not an exaggeration—it is a realistic assessment of his future needs. Dismissing his concerns simply because he is not at immediate risk of eviction ignores the broader picture.

We recognise that making exceptions to welfare policies can be problematic. The concern is that relaxing the rules in one case could set a precedent for others to claim similar exemptions, potentially undermining the system’s fairness. But we believe that welfare systems can be designed to allow for compassionate exceptions without compromising overall integrity.

One approach could involve a thorough case-by-case review process for individuals facing extraordinary circumstances. MSF could also consider offering flexible repayment options or partial waivers for cases like this, where the applicant is clearly not attempting to exploit the system.

The broader question this case raises is whether welfare policies should differentiate between general savings and funds that are earmarked for specific, necessary purposes.

Morgandradas’s savings were not accumulated through employment or investment—they are donations meant to help him achieve independence and secure long-term caregiving. Treating these donations as disqualifying assets sends the wrong message, potentially discouraging others from seeking public support for similar long-term needs.

We believe that public welfare systems should be a safety net, but they should also function as a springboard to help individuals achieve independence. Morgandradas’s case is a clear example of someone who is making an effort to improve his circumstances. Penalising him for saving donations and planning for his future contradicts the very purpose of welfare programs.

MSF’s policies are essential for ensuring that resources are distributed fairly, but they should also be adaptable to accommodate unique cases. A rigid, one-size-fits-all approach risks harming those who need help the most.

Compassion and flexibility are not signs of weakness—they are indications that a system is responsive to the diverse challenges its beneficiaries face.

As this case unfolds, we hope MSF considers options that balance accountability with empathy. Allowing Morgandradas to repay the amount in manageable instalments or waiving part of the repayment in recognition of his exceptional situation would demonstrate that the welfare system is capable of addressing complex realities. Public donations, community support, and personal savings should not be viewed as liabilities but as tools that complement government assistance.

Ultimately, welfare policies should help people transition out of dependence, not penalise them for trying to do so.



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